Lowcostbeds is expanding worldwide and plans to sell accommodation through the trade in 45 markets by the end of April.
Lowcostbeds goes global following expansion to the Americas
Lowcostbeds is expanding worldwide and plans to sell accommodation through the trade in 45 markets by the end of April.
The accommodation provider was in 15 markets at the end of February, but aims to be selling in 100 in three years.
Lowcostbeds expanded from the UK and Ireland last year, selling in Germany, Spain, Austria, Switzerland, France, the Netherlands, Italy and Scandinavia last summer.
It moved into North America in November and to South America in February, selling in Brazil, Mexico and Argentina with dedicated country websites in Spanish and Portuguese.
The bed bank is now expanding in the Middle East, going live in the UAE next week – although not yet in Arabic.
It aims to double its source markets again by the end of April, adding Turkey, Australia, New Zealand and moving into Africa – taking it into Angola and, in south America, Paraguay.
Lowcostbeds managing director Patricia Rossello Evans said the accommodation provider would remain a supplier to the trade in all markets.
Sister brand Lowcostholidays, which sells to consumers, will not expand alongside the trade arm.
Speaking at German trade show ITB in Berlin, Rossello Evans said: “There is no intention to expand Lowcostholidays beyond Europe.”
She said: “We work only with trade partners, including big online travel agents and agency consortia.”
Rossello Evans said the company deals with 20,000 agents worldwide. The UK remains Lowcostbeds’ main market, with Ireland second and Scandinavia third.
The company contracts with hotels in 75 destinations, with Spain and Southern Europe the top sellers. However, Rossello Evans expects the Caribbean and US to become increasingly important as the bed bank grows in North America.
